Packers: Aaron Rodgers vs. Brett Favre Comparison
By Tim Muma
For all their differences as Packers’ quarterbacks, Rodgers and Favre have had remarkably similar careers when compared to the NFL signal-callers in their eras.
No doubt the main reason for the Green Bay Packers‘ success the past 25 years has been Hall of Fame quarterback play with three-time MVP Brett Favre and two-time MVP Aaron Rodgers.
Favre was in attendance on Sunday as the Packers honored his Hall of Fame induction. Thus, it seemed like a good time to compare the two QBs.
Their styles are different, with unique strengths and weaknesses, but each have played at an elite level for a prolonged period of time.
Favre had unmatched toughness, a cannon arm, guts to throw the ball into any hole, incredible leadership, and legendary finishes that brought a near-dead franchise back to greatness.
Rodgers brings intelligence, a rocket arm of his own, a surgeon’s precision, and passing efficiency rarely seen, as he has flawlessly carried the torch of stellar Packers’ QBs.
Of course, each have their flaws that fans especially like to focus on.
While Favre retired as the all-time leader in TD passes (508), he also owns the interception record (336), throwing a number of heartbreaking picks when the team needed more conservatism.
In the end, Packers’ fans should thank the football gods every day for what they’ve been blessed to witness while worshiping at the cathedral of football.
For the most part, it was hard to complain because of all the victories and amazing throws Favre created with his gunslinger mentality.
Rodgers has taken the opposite approach, throwing just 69 interceptions in his 124 starts while still being among the best in passing yards and touchdowns.
The greatest frustration with Rodgers is his basic refusal to force balls into tight spots, instead opting to take a high number of sacks. He has led the league twice in times sacked, and finds himself on the negative side of the league in yards lost.
In the end, Packers’ fans should thank the football gods every day for what they’ve been blessed to witness while worshiping at the cathedral of football.
As all of us look to make comparisons, there are many factors that skew our perceptions. For example, many better remember the older years for Favre and have forgotten how truly amazing he was in his prime.
Meanwhile, Rodgers get unfairly judged at times due to his personality and areas outside of his control. Add that to the fact that these QBs have played at different points in NFL time periods, and it makes objective judgments extremely challenging.
When you start to break down the statistics from their age 25-32 seasons, you find fascinating comparisons relative to other signal-callers during those years.
Even the team success – though far from being the quarterback’s responsibility solely – had remarkably similar results.
Rodgers’ record in those eight years was 80-39 (.672) with a 7-6 playoff record, two NFC championship appearances, and one Super Bowl title.
In Favre’s age 25-32 seasons, he went 86-42 (.672) with a 9-5 postseason mark, three NFC championship games played, one Super Bowl title and a second appearance. So before we dive into the stats, it looks like Favre already has a slight edge.
For record-keeping purposes, last year was considered Rodgers’ age-32 season. Thus, his stats are from 2008-2015, while Favre’s come from 1994-2001.